WO2015128265A1 - Valve for lpg storage tank - Google Patents

Valve for lpg storage tank Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015128265A1
WO2015128265A1 PCT/EP2015/053659 EP2015053659W WO2015128265A1 WO 2015128265 A1 WO2015128265 A1 WO 2015128265A1 EP 2015053659 W EP2015053659 W EP 2015053659W WO 2015128265 A1 WO2015128265 A1 WO 2015128265A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
tank
gas
electro
inlet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2015/053659
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Claude Goffin
Privat Roderes
Jean-Claude Schmitz
Original Assignee
Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Luxembourg Patent Company S.A. filed Critical Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
Publication of WO2015128265A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015128265A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/032—Orientation with substantially vertical main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0617—Single wall with one layer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0639—Steels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0646—Aluminium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/035—Flow reducers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0382—Constructional details of valves, regulators
    • F17C2205/0385—Constructional details of valves, regulators in blocks or units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters
    • F17C2205/0394—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/035—Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/043—Localisation of the removal point in the gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/046—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid
    • F17C2223/047—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid with a dip tube
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0107—Propulsion of the fluid by pressurising the ullage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/032—Control means using computers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the vessel
    • F17C2250/0417—Level of content in the vessel with electrical means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/07—Actions triggered by measured parameters
    • F17C2250/072—Action when predefined value is reached
    • F17C2250/077—Action when predefined value is reached when empty
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/066—Fluid distribution for feeding engines for propulsion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles

Definitions

  • the invention is directed to the field of storage of gas in a tank, more particularly to the storage of liquefied petroleum gas in a tank and to the feeding of a combustion engine with said tank.
  • the vehicle can be of the type of a fork-lift truck.
  • Liquefied petroleum gas also called LPG
  • LPG is a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases used as a fuel in heating appliances and vehicles.
  • Varieties of LPG bought and sold include mixes that are primarily propane (C3H8), primarily butane (C4H10) and, most commonly, mixes including both propane and butane, depending on the season— in winter more propane, in summer more butane. It has its boiling point below room temperature.
  • the pressure at which LPG becomes liquid called its vapor pressure, likewise varies depending on composition and temperature; for example, it is approximately 2.2 bar (32 psi) for pure butane at 20 °C (68 °F), and approximately 22 bar (320 psi) for pure propane at 55 °C (131 °F).
  • the tanks where it is stored need to be refilled before they are empty.
  • the pressure in an LPG tank that is close to empty will remain at or near the vapor pressure. This is because the external temperature conditions are favorable for a heat transfer to the gas and its phase change to gaseous form while it is progressively consumed by the engine. It can therefore happen that the pressure in a nearly empty tank is too high to permit its refilling at a refill station. Even if the pressure of the transfer pump of the refill station would be higher than the vapor pressure in the tank, it remains that refilling will progressively reduce the volume available for the vapor phase and will therefore further increase the pressure in the tank.
  • a commonly known solution to the above mentioned problem consists in cooling the tank, e.g. by spraying its outer surface with water or sometimes even with compressed carbon dioxide from a fire extinguisher. This method is of course not particularly appropriate for it can be dangerous, expensive, and can deteriorate equipment of the vehicle.
  • Prior art document published US 2012/0060935 A1 addresses the above mentioned problem and discloses a method and an apparatus for managing temperature and pressure of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel tank at or near its vapor pressure.
  • a variable ratio of liquid fuel to vapor fuel is extracted from the fuel tank in order to regulate temperature and pressure of the fuel for the purpose of keeping the pressure lower in anticipation of refilling.
  • the method consists in selectively extracting from the fuel tank liquid, vapor, and/or liquid and vapor of the fuel, wherein the extraction of fuel vapor upsets the vapor-liquid equilibrium inside the fuel tank, causing additional vaporization of liquid fuel inside the fuel tank with consequent absorption of latent heat of vaporization by the vaporized fuel, thus cooling the fuel inside the fuel tank and/or fuel tank structure and reducing the vapor pressure inside the fuel tank.
  • This method is based on dynamics of the change of phase of the gas. Its efficiency is dependent on the consumption of the engine. It requires also a pressure sensor in the tank and a sophisticated control system and valve system for adjusting the ratio of liquid fuel to vapor fuel that is extracted.
  • the invention has for technical problem to provide a simple and efficient solution to the above mentioned difficulty of refilling a gas tank that is near to but not empty.
  • the invention is directed to a valve for gas tank, comprising: a body with a first gas inlet, a gas outlet and a first passage connecting said inlet with the outlet; a first electro-magnetic shut-off device for shutting-off the first passage; wherein the body further comprises a second inlet and a second passage connecting said inlet with the outlet, and the valve further comprises a second electro-magnetic shut-off device for shutting-off the second passage.
  • the body comprises a mounting surface for mounting said valve on the gas tank, the first and second inlets being on a portion of the body that on the gas tank side of said mounting surface.
  • the mounting surface comprises a protruding portion for insertion into a wall or neck of the tank, and/or a flange portion for contacting said wall or neck.
  • the first and second passages extend parallel to each other from the first and second inlets to the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices, respectively.
  • the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices extend essentially perpendicularly to the portions of the first and second passages that extend from the first and second inlets to said first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices.
  • the body extends along a longitudinal axis, the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices being diametrically opposed with regard to said longitudinal axis.
  • the body comprises a valve seat in at least one, preferably in both, of the first and second passages, said seat(s) having a main axis that is transversal, preferably generally perpendicular, to the portions of the first and second passages that extend from the first and second inlets to said seat(s).
  • the body comprises a bore around the seat or each of the seats, one of the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices being inserted into said bore or each of said bores.
  • each of the first and second passages comprises a portion that extends essentially transversally from one of the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices to the outlet.
  • the first inlet comprises a shouldered bore portion configured for receiving a suction pipe, said portion being preferably threaded.
  • the valve comprises a pipe fluidly connected to the body so that the entry of the first inlet is at a lower position than the entry of the second inlet when the valve is in an upright position, the difference in height between said first and second inlet being preferably greater than 100mm, more preferably greater than 200mm.
  • the invention is also directed to a gas tank comprising: a closed envelope with a bottom, side wall(s) and a top, said top comprising an opening; a valve arranged on the top of the envelope and fluidly connected with the opening; wherein the valve is in accordance with the invention.
  • the valve comprises a pipe fluidly connected to the body so that the entry of the first inlet is at a lower position than the entry of the second inlet when the valve is in an upright position, the entry of the first inlet being at a level comprised in the lowest fourth of the envelope's height and the second inlet being at a level comprised in the highest fourth of the envelope's height.
  • the entry of the first inlet is essentially at the level of the bottom of the envelope and/or the second inlet is essentially at the level of the top of said envelope.
  • the invention is also directed to a method for controlling the level of liquefied gas stored in a gas tank, said tank being on a vehicle and being connected as fuel source to a combustion engine, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
  • step (c) opening the second passage so as to permit consumption of the vapor phase in the tank and thereby permit to lower the pressure in the tank on the way of the vehicle to a refill station.
  • step (b) comprises closing the first passage.
  • the step of detecting the low level of liquid gas in the tank is made by detecting a variation of heat transfer due to a gas phase change in a conduit connecting the tank with the engine, said variation being preferably detected by thermistor, more preferably by a Positive Temperature Coefficient sensor.
  • the invention is also directed to a control unit for the supply of liquefied gas stored in a gas tank, wherein said unit is configured for carrying out the method of the invention, and comprises: an input for a liquid gas low level sensor; a first output for controlling the first electro-magnetic shut-off device; a second output for controlling the second electro-magnetic shut- off device; and a third output for providing a signal of detection of the low level ; electric and/or electronic components connected to the input and the outputs and configured to emit a signal that refilling is needed and to open the second electro-magnetic shut-off device when the sensor detects the low level of liquid gas.
  • the electric and/or electronic components are configured to close the first electro-magnetic shut-off device when the sensor detects the low level of liquid phase.
  • the invention is also directed to a vehicle comprising a combustion engine and a gas tank for storing liquefied gas and for feeding said engine with said gas, wherein the gas tank is in accordance with the invention and/or wherein the tank comprises a control unit in accordance with the invention.
  • valve according to the invention gas fueled vehicles can be easily refilled.
  • the valve according to the invention is of simple construction.
  • the control logic of this valve is very simple can be operated in an economic and reliable way.
  • the valve can be identical for different sizes or types of tanks.
  • the pipe that is to be fluidly connected to the valve body can then be adapted to the tank.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fork-lift truck powered by a combustion engine fed with gaseous fuel stored in a tank;
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of the gas tank in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 3 an enlarged view of the valve and the top part of the tank of figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of the gas tank of figure 2 and connected to a combustion engine and to a control unit;
  • Figure 5 illustrates an algorithm executed by the control unit of figure 4. Description of an embodiment
  • Figure 1 illustrates a fork-lift truck that is as such well known in the art.
  • This fork-lift truck is however powered by a combustion engine that is fed by gaseous fuel.
  • the fuel can be liquefied petroleum gas stored in one or several gas tanks (not represented in figure 1 ).
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of the gas tank in accordance with the invention. This gas tank can therefore be present in the fork-lift truck of figure 1 .
  • the gas tank 2 comprises a closed envelope 4 preferably made of metal like steel or aluminum.
  • the envelope can have different shapes.
  • the envelope has the shape of a bottle with a generally flat bottom 6, a generally cylindrical side wall 10 and a top 8. This latter can be generally flat or be funnel-shaped. It comprises a central opening for receiving the valve 12.
  • the internal volume of the envelope 4 is designed to store compressed gas in a liquid phase as is illustrated in figure 2.
  • a vapor phase can be present at the upper surface of the liquid phase.
  • the gas can be liquefied petroleum gas.
  • the working pressure inside the envelope 4 can be up to 30 bar, 50 bar or even more.
  • the valve 12 comprises essentially a body 14 and two electro-magnetic shut-off devices 24 and 26.
  • the body 14 is engaged in a leak proof manner with the opening on the top 8 of the envelope 4 so as to be in contact with the pressurized gas stored in the envelope.
  • the body 14 comprises a first inlet 19 in connection with an outlet 28 through a first passage 18.
  • the body 14 comprises also a second inlet 21 in connection with the outlet 28 through a second passage 22.
  • the first inlet is connected to a pipe 16 for extracting the liquid phase of the gas.
  • a flow limiter 20 can be mounted between the first inlet 19 and the pipe 1 6. Such a flow limiter shuts-off the gas passage when the flow exceeds a predetermined limit.
  • the pipe 1 6 is configured to have its entry level close to the bottom 6 of the envelope 4.
  • the entry of the second inlet 21 is preferably directly at the level of the valve body. In any case, the second inlet 21 is configured to have an entry that is in an upper portion of the envelope in order to permit the extraction of the gaseous phase of the stored gas.
  • the first electro-magnetic shut-off device 24 is configured for shutting-off the first passage 18 and, similarly, the second electro-magnetic shut-off device 26 is configured for shutting-off the second passage 22. Both first and second passages 18 and 22, downstream of their respective shut-off devices 24 and 26, join at the outlet 28. Both electro-magnetic shut-off devices are preferably normally closed. The command of the electromagnetic shut-off devices 24 and 26 permits therefore to selectively extract the liquid phase or the gaseous phase of the stored gas.
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the valve of figure 2.
  • the body 14 comprises a protruding portion 30 that is inserted into the opening of the top 8 of the tank envelope.
  • the body 14 comprises also a flange 32 for contacting the upper surface of the top wall 8.
  • This flange 32 can comprise holes for receiving fasteners like screws or the like.
  • a gasket 36 can be housed in a recess 34 at the periphery of the opening in the top wall 8, the mounting surface of the protruding portion 30 contacting the gasket in a gas tight fashion.
  • the opening and the protruding portion can be circular or of any other shape, e.g. generally rectangular or the like.
  • the first passage 18 comprises a first portion 18 extending from the first inlet 19 to a first seat 54, and a second portion 18 2 extending from the first seat 54 to the outlet 28.
  • the second passage 22 comprises a first portion 22 extending from the second inlet 21 to a second seat 56, and a second portion 22 2 extending from the second seat 56 to the outlet 28.
  • Both seats 54 and 56 are generally circular around the second portions 18 2 and 22 2 , respectively, of the passages 18 and 22.
  • the first portions 18 and 22 of the passages 18 and 22 extend essentially parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve body 14, whereas the second portions 18 2 and 22 2 extend transversally, preferably perpendicularly, to the first portions 18 and 22 .
  • Each of the electro-magnetic shut-off devices 24 and 26 comprises a support 38 and 40, respectively, that is mounted on the valve body 14, more particularly that are screwed into respective bores in the valve body, said bores providing access to the respective valve seats 54 and 56.
  • the first electro-magnetic shut-off device 24 comprises therefore, in addition to its support 38, a plunger 42 slidably received in the support 38 and bearing at one of its end a disk-shaped gasket 50 that cooperates by contact with the first seat 54.
  • the plunger forms an air gap with a core portion 38 of the support and can be magnetically attracted to that core portion when the magnet around said support is energized.
  • the plunger 42 houses a spring arrangement 46 that presses the gasket 50 against the first seat 54.
  • the spring arrangement 46 comprises a stem 46 that can slide within the plunger, a spring 46 2 and a pushing element 46 3 in contact with the gasket 50.
  • the stem 46 abuts against the core portion 38 of the support 38, and the spring 46 2 is interposed between the stem 46 and the pushing element 46 3 .
  • the resilient force of the spring 46 2 resiliently pushes the gasket 50 against the first seat 54.
  • the plunger 42 comprises indeed an internal groove that retains the gasket 50 axially. This latter is put into place into the groove by deformation.
  • the second electro-magnetic shut-off device 26 comprises, similarly, a support 40 that slidably receives a plunger 44.
  • the plunger 44 houses a spring arrangement 48 that presses the gasket 52 against the second seat 56.
  • the spring arrangement 48 comprises a stem 48 that can slide within the plunger, a spring 48 2 and a pushing element 48 3 in contact with the gasket 52.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of the gas tank of figure 2 connected to a combustion engine.
  • the outlet 28 of the tank 2 is fluidly connected to a combustion engine of a traction unit of a vehicle.
  • a sensor 70 can be provided in the fluid connection between the tank 2 and the engine in order to detect a change of phase of the medium flowing in the conduit.
  • This sensor can be a thermistor, more particularly a Positive Temperature Coefficient sensor.
  • An electric and/or electronic control unit 60 comprises an input 62 for the signal produced by the sensor. It comprises also a first output 64 for controlling the first electro-magnetic shut-off device 24 of the valve 12, a second output 66 for controlling the second electro-magnetic shut-off device 26 of the valve 12, and a third output 68 for a signal device indicating that the tank is nearly empty.
  • Figure 5 illustrates an algorithm that the control unit 60 of figure 4 executes.
  • the first shut-off device 24 is open so as to extract liquid gas through the pipe with an entry level in a lower portion of the tank (see figure 2).
  • the progressive reduction of the liquid phase provides progressively more volume for the gaseous phase.
  • the corresponding reduction of pressure is compensated by a progressive change of phase of a portion of liquid gas to a gaseous form. This change of phase is associated with a temperature drop due to the latent heat that is necessary for the change of phase, and a corresponding heat transfer from the environment of the tank to the stored gas.
  • control unit 60 Before detection of a low level of the liquid phase, the control unit 60 can be configured to keep the second electro-magnetic shut-off device 26 in a closed state and the first electro-magnetic shut-off device 24 open. Upon detection of the liquid phase low level, the control unit 60 can be configured to close the first electro-magnetic shut-off device 24 and to open the second one 26.
  • control unit controls the electro-magnetic shut-off devices 24 and 26 so as to extract primarily liquid phase.
  • the control unit can also comprise an additional input for the driver to indicate that he intends to refill the tank, irrespective of the detection of a low level of the liquid phase. In that case, the control unit controls the shut- off devices so as to extract primarily the gaseous instead of the liquid phase.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)

Abstract

The invention is directed to a valve (12) for gas tank (2), comprising a body (14) with a first gas inlet (19), a gas outlet (28) and a first passage (18) connecting said inlet (19) with the outlet (28), a first electro-magnetic shut-off device (24) for shutting-off the first passage (18). The body further comprises a second inlet (21) and a second passage (22) connecting said inlet (21) with said outlet (28), and the valve further comprises a second electro-magnetic shut-off device (26) for shutting-off the second passage (22). The entry of the first passage (18) is in the liquid phase whereas the entry of the second passage (22) is in the vapor phase. Only the vapor phase is extracted when the vehicle is driven to a refilling station, in order to lower the pressure in the tank and enable refilling.

Description

Description
VALVE FOR LPG STORAGE TANK Technical field
[0001 ] The invention is directed to the field of storage of gas in a tank, more particularly to the storage of liquefied petroleum gas in a tank and to the feeding of a combustion engine with said tank. The vehicle can be of the type of a fork-lift truck.
Background art
[0002] Liquefied petroleum gas, also called LPG, is a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases used as a fuel in heating appliances and vehicles. Varieties of LPG bought and sold include mixes that are primarily propane (C3H8), primarily butane (C4H10) and, most commonly, mixes including both propane and butane, depending on the season— in winter more propane, in summer more butane. It has its boiling point below room temperature. The pressure at which LPG becomes liquid, called its vapor pressure, likewise varies depending on composition and temperature; for example, it is approximately 2.2 bar (32 psi) for pure butane at 20 °C (68 °F), and approximately 22 bar (320 psi) for pure propane at 55 °C (131 °F).
[0003] When used as fuel for vehicle, the tanks where it is stored need to be refilled before they are empty. Under warm conditions, e.g. like in the summertime, the pressure in an LPG tank that is close to empty will remain at or near the vapor pressure. This is because the external temperature conditions are favorable for a heat transfer to the gas and its phase change to gaseous form while it is progressively consumed by the engine. It can therefore happen that the pressure in a nearly empty tank is too high to permit its refilling at a refill station. Even if the pressure of the transfer pump of the refill station would be higher than the vapor pressure in the tank, it remains that refilling will progressively reduce the volume available for the vapor phase and will therefore further increase the pressure in the tank. This can therefore lead to an incomplete refill or, at worse, not refill at all. [0004] A commonly known solution to the above mentioned problem consists in cooling the tank, e.g. by spraying its outer surface with water or sometimes even with compressed carbon dioxide from a fire extinguisher. This method is of course not particularly appropriate for it can be dangerous, expensive, and can deteriorate equipment of the vehicle.
[0005] Prior art document published US 2012/0060935 A1 addresses the above mentioned problem and discloses a method and an apparatus for managing temperature and pressure of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel tank at or near its vapor pressure. A variable ratio of liquid fuel to vapor fuel is extracted from the fuel tank in order to regulate temperature and pressure of the fuel for the purpose of keeping the pressure lower in anticipation of refilling. More specifically, the method consists in selectively extracting from the fuel tank liquid, vapor, and/or liquid and vapor of the fuel, wherein the extraction of fuel vapor upsets the vapor-liquid equilibrium inside the fuel tank, causing additional vaporization of liquid fuel inside the fuel tank with consequent absorption of latent heat of vaporization by the vaporized fuel, thus cooling the fuel inside the fuel tank and/or fuel tank structure and reducing the vapor pressure inside the fuel tank. This method is based on dynamics of the change of phase of the gas. Its efficiency is dependent on the consumption of the engine. It requires also a pressure sensor in the tank and a sophisticated control system and valve system for adjusting the ratio of liquid fuel to vapor fuel that is extracted.
Summary of invention
Technical Problem
[0006] The invention has for technical problem to provide a simple and efficient solution to the above mentioned difficulty of refilling a gas tank that is near to but not empty.
Technical solution
[0007] The invention is directed to a valve for gas tank, comprising: a body with a first gas inlet, a gas outlet and a first passage connecting said inlet with the outlet; a first electro-magnetic shut-off device for shutting-off the first passage; wherein the body further comprises a second inlet and a second passage connecting said inlet with the outlet, and the valve further comprises a second electro-magnetic shut-off device for shutting-off the second passage.
[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a mounting surface for mounting said valve on the gas tank, the first and second inlets being on a portion of the body that on the gas tank side of said mounting surface.
[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting surface comprises a protruding portion for insertion into a wall or neck of the tank, and/or a flange portion for contacting said wall or neck.
[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second passages extend parallel to each other from the first and second inlets to the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices, respectively.
[001 1 ] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices extend essentially perpendicularly to the portions of the first and second passages that extend from the first and second inlets to said first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices.
[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body extends along a longitudinal axis, the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices being diametrically opposed with regard to said longitudinal axis.
[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a valve seat in at least one, preferably in both, of the first and second passages, said seat(s) having a main axis that is transversal, preferably generally perpendicular, to the portions of the first and second passages that extend from the first and second inlets to said seat(s).
[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a bore around the seat or each of the seats, one of the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices being inserted into said bore or each of said bores.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second passages comprises a portion that extends essentially transversally from one of the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices to the outlet. [001 6] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first inlet comprises a shouldered bore portion configured for receiving a suction pipe, said portion being preferably threaded.
[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve comprises a pipe fluidly connected to the body so that the entry of the first inlet is at a lower position than the entry of the second inlet when the valve is in an upright position, the difference in height between said first and second inlet being preferably greater than 100mm, more preferably greater than 200mm.
[0018] The invention is also directed to a gas tank comprising: a closed envelope with a bottom, side wall(s) and a top, said top comprising an opening; a valve arranged on the top of the envelope and fluidly connected with the opening; wherein the valve is in accordance with the invention.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve comprises a pipe fluidly connected to the body so that the entry of the first inlet is at a lower position than the entry of the second inlet when the valve is in an upright position, the entry of the first inlet being at a level comprised in the lowest fourth of the envelope's height and the second inlet being at a level comprised in the highest fourth of the envelope's height.
[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the entry of the first inlet is essentially at the level of the bottom of the envelope and/or the second inlet is essentially at the level of the top of said envelope.
[0021 ] The invention is also directed to a method for controlling the level of liquefied gas stored in a gas tank, said tank being on a vehicle and being connected as fuel source to a combustion engine, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
[0022] (a) feeding the engine with the gas from the tank through the first passage;
[0023] (b) detecting a low level of the liquid phase in the tank and providing to a driver of the vehicle a signal that refilling is needed;
[0024] (c) opening the second passage so as to permit consumption of the vapor phase in the tank and thereby permit to lower the pressure in the tank on the way of the vehicle to a refill station. [0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in step (a) the second passage is closed and step (b) comprises closing the first passage.
[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of detecting the low level of liquid gas in the tank is made by detecting a variation of heat transfer due to a gas phase change in a conduit connecting the tank with the engine, said variation being preferably detected by thermistor, more preferably by a Positive Temperature Coefficient sensor.
[0027] The invention is also directed to a control unit for the supply of liquefied gas stored in a gas tank, wherein said unit is configured for carrying out the method of the invention, and comprises: an input for a liquid gas low level sensor; a first output for controlling the first electro-magnetic shut-off device; a second output for controlling the second electro-magnetic shut- off device; and a third output for providing a signal of detection of the low level ; electric and/or electronic components connected to the input and the outputs and configured to emit a signal that refilling is needed and to open the second electro-magnetic shut-off device when the sensor detects the low level of liquid gas.
[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electric and/or electronic components are configured to close the first electro-magnetic shut-off device when the sensor detects the low level of liquid phase.
[0029] The invention is also directed to a vehicle comprising a combustion engine and a gas tank for storing liquefied gas and for feeding said engine with said gas, wherein the gas tank is in accordance with the invention and/or wherein the tank comprises a control unit in accordance with the invention.
Advantages of the invention
[0030] According to the invention, gas fueled vehicles can be easily refilled. The valve according to the invention is of simple construction. In addition, the control logic of this valve is very simple can be operated in an economic and reliable way. [0031 ] The valve can be identical for different sizes or types of tanks. The pipe that is to be fluidly connected to the valve body can then be adapted to the tank.
Brief description of the drawings
[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fork-lift truck powered by a combustion engine fed with gaseous fuel stored in a tank;
[0033] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the gas tank in accordance with the invention;
[0034] Figure 3 an enlarged view of the valve and the top part of the tank of figure 2;
[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the gas tank of figure 2 and connected to a combustion engine and to a control unit;
[0036] Figure 5 illustrates an algorithm executed by the control unit of figure 4. Description of an embodiment
[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a fork-lift truck that is as such well known in the art.
This fork-lift truck is however powered by a combustion engine that is fed by gaseous fuel. The fuel can be liquefied petroleum gas stored in one or several gas tanks (not represented in figure 1 ).
[0038] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the gas tank in accordance with the invention. This gas tank can therefore be present in the fork-lift truck of figure 1 .
[0039] The gas tank 2 comprises a closed envelope 4 preferably made of metal like steel or aluminum. The envelope can have different shapes. In the present case, the envelope has the shape of a bottle with a generally flat bottom 6, a generally cylindrical side wall 10 and a top 8. This latter can be generally flat or be funnel-shaped. It comprises a central opening for receiving the valve 12. The internal volume of the envelope 4 is designed to store compressed gas in a liquid phase as is illustrated in figure 2. A vapor phase can be present at the upper surface of the liquid phase. The gas can be liquefied petroleum gas. The working pressure inside the envelope 4 can be up to 30 bar, 50 bar or even more.
[0040] The valve 12 comprises essentially a body 14 and two electro-magnetic shut-off devices 24 and 26. The body 14 is engaged in a leak proof manner with the opening on the top 8 of the envelope 4 so as to be in contact with the pressurized gas stored in the envelope. The body 14 comprises a first inlet 19 in connection with an outlet 28 through a first passage 18. The body 14 comprises also a second inlet 21 in connection with the outlet 28 through a second passage 22. The first inlet is connected to a pipe 16 for extracting the liquid phase of the gas. A flow limiter 20 can be mounted between the first inlet 19 and the pipe 1 6. Such a flow limiter shuts-off the gas passage when the flow exceeds a predetermined limit. This limit is usually reached when a conduit connecting the valve to a consumer is broken. The pipe 1 6 is configured to have its entry level close to the bottom 6 of the envelope 4. The entry of the second inlet 21 is preferably directly at the level of the valve body. In any case, the second inlet 21 is configured to have an entry that is in an upper portion of the envelope in order to permit the extraction of the gaseous phase of the stored gas.
[0041 ] The first electro-magnetic shut-off device 24 is configured for shutting-off the first passage 18 and, similarly, the second electro-magnetic shut-off device 26 is configured for shutting-off the second passage 22. Both first and second passages 18 and 22, downstream of their respective shut-off devices 24 and 26, join at the outlet 28. Both electro-magnetic shut-off devices are preferably normally closed. The command of the electromagnetic shut-off devices 24 and 26 permits therefore to selectively extract the liquid phase or the gaseous phase of the stored gas.
[0042] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the valve of figure 2. We can observe that the body 14 comprises a protruding portion 30 that is inserted into the opening of the top 8 of the tank envelope. The body 14 comprises also a flange 32 for contacting the upper surface of the top wall 8. This flange 32 can comprise holes for receiving fasteners like screws or the like. A gasket 36 can be housed in a recess 34 at the periphery of the opening in the top wall 8, the mounting surface of the protruding portion 30 contacting the gasket in a gas tight fashion. The opening and the protruding portion can be circular or of any other shape, e.g. generally rectangular or the like.
[0043] The first passage 18 comprises a first portion 18 extending from the first inlet 19 to a first seat 54, and a second portion 182 extending from the first seat 54 to the outlet 28. Similarly, the second passage 22 comprises a first portion 22 extending from the second inlet 21 to a second seat 56, and a second portion 222 extending from the second seat 56 to the outlet 28. Both seats 54 and 56 are generally circular around the second portions 182 and 222, respectively, of the passages 18 and 22. The first portions 18 and 22 of the passages 18 and 22 extend essentially parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve body 14, whereas the second portions 182 and 222 extend transversally, preferably perpendicularly, to the first portions 18 and 22 .
Each of the electro-magnetic shut-off devices 24 and 26 comprises a support 38 and 40, respectively, that is mounted on the valve body 14, more particularly that are screwed into respective bores in the valve body, said bores providing access to the respective valve seats 54 and 56. The first electro-magnetic shut-off device 24 comprises therefore, in addition to its support 38, a plunger 42 slidably received in the support 38 and bearing at one of its end a disk-shaped gasket 50 that cooperates by contact with the first seat 54. The plunger forms an air gap with a core portion 38 of the support and can be magnetically attracted to that core portion when the magnet around said support is energized. The plunger 42 houses a spring arrangement 46 that presses the gasket 50 against the first seat 54. The spring arrangement 46 comprises a stem 46 that can slide within the plunger, a spring 462 and a pushing element 463 in contact with the gasket 50. The stem 46 abuts against the core portion 38 of the support 38, and the spring 462 is interposed between the stem 46 and the pushing element 463. The resilient force of the spring 462 resiliently pushes the gasket 50 against the first seat 54. When the electric coil around the support 38 is energized, a magnetic flux is created in the support 38 and also in the air gap between the plunger 42 and the core portion 38 . This magnetic field creates an attraction force between the core portion 38 and the plunger 42, resulting in a movement of the plunger towards the core portion 38 . During this movement, the stem 46 remains immobile whereas the gasket 50 that is housed in the plunger 42 moves towards the core portion 38 against the resilient force of the spring 462, thereby opening the valve. The plunger 42 comprises indeed an internal groove that retains the gasket 50 axially. This latter is put into place into the groove by deformation.
[0045] The same reasoning applies to the second electro-magnetic shut-off device 26. This latter comprises, similarly, a support 40 that slidably receives a plunger 44. The plunger 44 houses a spring arrangement 48 that presses the gasket 52 against the second seat 56. The spring arrangement 48 comprises a stem 48 that can slide within the plunger, a spring 482 and a pushing element 483 in contact with the gasket 52. When the electric coil around the support 40 is energized, a magnetic flux is created in the support 40 and also in the air gap between the plunger 44 and the core portion 40 . This magnetic field creates an attraction force between the core portion 40 and the plunger 44, resulting in a movement of the plunger towards the core portion 40 and an opening of the valve.
[0046] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the gas tank of figure 2 connected to a combustion engine. The outlet 28 of the tank 2 is fluidly connected to a combustion engine of a traction unit of a vehicle. A sensor 70 can be provided in the fluid connection between the tank 2 and the engine in order to detect a change of phase of the medium flowing in the conduit. This sensor can be a thermistor, more particularly a Positive Temperature Coefficient sensor.
[0047] An electric and/or electronic control unit 60 comprises an input 62 for the signal produced by the sensor. It comprises also a first output 64 for controlling the first electro-magnetic shut-off device 24 of the valve 12, a second output 66 for controlling the second electro-magnetic shut-off device 26 of the valve 12, and a third output 68 for a signal device indicating that the tank is nearly empty.
[0048] Figure 5 illustrates an algorithm that the control unit 60 of figure 4 executes. As long as the tank is not close to empty, i.e. in the absence of a signal of a low level of liquid gas, and when the engine is running, the first shut-off device 24 is open so as to extract liquid gas through the pipe with an entry level in a lower portion of the tank (see figure 2). During that process, the progressive reduction of the liquid phase provides progressively more volume for the gaseous phase. The corresponding reduction of pressure is compensated by a progressive change of phase of a portion of liquid gas to a gaseous form. This change of phase is associated with a temperature drop due to the latent heat that is necessary for the change of phase, and a corresponding heat transfer from the environment of the tank to the stored gas.
[0049] When the tank is close to be empty, i.e. when the level of liquid gas reaches the entry level of the first inlet (i.e. the pipe 1 6, see figure 2), some gaseous phase will then be extracted through the first passage of the valve. The presence of a gaseous phase in the conduit is detected by the sensor 70. Upon this detection, the control unit 60 is then configured to generate at the output 68 a signal that the tank needs to be refilled. Upon this detection the control unit generates also signals at the second output 66 to open the second electro-magnetic shut-off device 26. Gaseous phase will then be primarily extracted. This extraction will therefore take place during the travel of the vehicle to the refill station. During that travel, a substantive portion of the gaseous phase will be consumed, leading to a pressure drop in the tank. Indeed, for the remaining liquid gas to vaporize and compensate the pressure drop, it requires favorable temperature conditions that are not present here. The pressure will therefore remain at a lower level for a while, allowing the tank to be refilled.
[0050] Before detection of a low level of the liquid phase, the control unit 60 can be configured to keep the second electro-magnetic shut-off device 26 in a closed state and the first electro-magnetic shut-off device 24 open. Upon detection of the liquid phase low level, the control unit 60 can be configured to close the first electro-magnetic shut-off device 24 and to open the second one 26.
[0051 ] When the tank is refilled, the control unit controls the electro-magnetic shut-off devices 24 and 26 so as to extract primarily liquid phase.
[0052] The control unit can also comprise an additional input for the driver to indicate that he intends to refill the tank, irrespective of the detection of a low level of the liquid phase. In that case, the control unit controls the shut- off devices so as to extract primarily the gaseous instead of the liquid phase.

Claims

Claims
1 . Valve (12) for gas tank (2), comprising:
- a body (14) with a first gas inlet (19), a gas outlet (28) and a first passage (18) connecting said inlet (19) with the outlet (28);
- a first electro-magnetic shut-off device (24) for shutting-off the first passage (18);
characterized in that
the body (14) further comprises a second inlet (21 ) and a second passage (22) connecting said inlet (21 ) with the outlet (28), and the valve further comprises a second electro-magnetic shut-off device (26) for shutting-off the second passage (22).
2. Valve (12) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the body (14) comprises a mounting surface for mounting said valve (12) on the gas tank (2), the first and second inlets (19, 21 ) being on a portion of the body (14) that is on the gas tank side of said mounting surface.
3. Valve (12) according to claim 2, characterized in that the mounting surface comprises a protruding portion (30) for insertion into a wall (8) or neck of the tank (2), and/or a flange portion (32) for contacting said wall (8) or neck.
4. Valve (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second passages (18, 22) extend parallel to each other from the first and second inlets (19, 21 ) to the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices (24, 26), respectively.
5. Valve (12) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices (24, 26) extend essentially perpendicularly to the portions (18 , 22 ) of the first and second passages (18, 22), that extend from the first and second inlets (19, 21 ) to said first and second electromagnetic shut-off devices (24, 26), respectively.
6. Valve (12) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the body (14) extends along a longitudinal axis, the first and second electromagnetic shut-off devices (24, 26) being diametrically opposed with regard to said longitudinal axis.
7. Valve (12) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the body (14) comprises a valve seat (54, 56) in at least one, preferably in both, of the first and second passages (18, 22), said seat(s) (54, 56) having a main axis that is transversal, preferably generally perpendicular, to the portions (18 , 22 ) of the first and second passages (18, 22), that extend from the first and second inlets (19, 21 ) to said seat(s) (54, 56).
8. Valve (12) according to claim 7, characterized in that the body (14) comprises a bore around the seat or each of the seats (54, 56), one of the first and second electro-magnetic shut-off devices (24, 26) being inserted into said bore or each of said bores.
9. Valve (12) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that each of the first and second passages (18, 22) comprises a portion (182, 222) that extends essentially transversally from one of the first and second electromagnetic shut-off devices (24, 26) to the outlet (28).
10. Valve (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first inlet (19) comprises a shouldered bore portion configured for receiving a suction pipe (16), said portion being preferably threaded.
1 1 . Valve (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a pipe (16) fluidly connected to the body (12) so that the entry of the first inlet (19) is at a lower position than the entry of the second inlet (21 ) when the valve is in an upright position, the difference in height between said first and second inlets (19, 21 ) being preferably greater than 100mm, more preferably greater than 200mm.
12. Gas tank (2) comprising:
- a closed envelope (4) with a bottom (6), side wall(s) (10) and a top (8), said top (8) comprising an opening;
- a valve (12) arranged on the top (8) of the envelope (4) and fluidly connected with the opening;
characterized in that
the valve is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 1 1 .
13. Gas tank (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the valve (12) is in accordance with claim 1 1 , the entry of the pipe (1 6) being at a level comprised in the lowest fourth of the envelope's height and the second inlet (21 ) being at a level comprised in the highest fourth of the envelope's height.
14. Gas tank (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that the entry of the pipe (1 6) is essentially at the level of the bottom (6) of the envelope (4) and/or the second inlet (21 ) is essentially at the level of the top (8) of said envelope (4).
15. Method for controlling the level of liquefied gas stored in a gas tank (2), said tank (2) being on a vehicle and being connected as fuel source to a combustion engine, said method being characterized in that the gas tank is in accordance with any one of claims 13 and 14 and by the following steps:
(a) feeding the engine with the gas from the tank through the first passage (18);
(b) detecting a low level of the liquid phase in the tank (2) and providing to a driver of the vehicle a signal that refilling is needed;
(c) opening the second passage (22) so as to permit consumption of the vapor phase in the tank (2) and thereby permit to lower the pressure in the tank on the way of the vehicle to a refill station.
16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that in step (a) the second passage (22) is closed and in step (b) comprises closing the first passage (18).
17. Method according to any one of claims 15 and 1 6, characterized in that the step of detecting the low level of liquid gas in the tank (2) is made by detecting a variation of heat transfer due to a gas phase change in a conduit connecting the tank with the engine, said variation being preferably detected by a thermistor (70), more preferably by a Positive Temperature Coefficient sensor.
18. Control unit (60) for the supply of liquefied gas stored in a gas tank (2), characterized in that said unit is configured for carrying out the method of any one of claims 15 to 17, and comprises:
- an input (62) for a liquid gas low level sensor (70);
- a first output (64) for controlling the first electro-magnetic shut-off device (24);
- a second output (66) for controlling the second electro-magnetic shut-off device (26); and
- a third output (68) for providing a signal of detection of the low level;
- electric and/or electronic components connected to the input (62) and the outputs (64, 66, 68) and configured to emit a signal that refilling is need and to open the second electro-magnetic shut-off device (26) when the sensor (70) detects the low level of liquid gas.
19. Control unit according to claim 18, characterized in that the electric and/or electronic components are configured to close the first electro-magnetic shut- off device (24) when the sensor (70) detects the low level of liquid phase.
20. Vehicle comprising a combustion engine and a gas tank for storing liquefied petroleum gas and for feeding said engine with said gas, characterized in that the gas tank is in accordance with any one of claims 12 to 14 and/or in that it comprises a control unit in accordance with any one of claims 18 and 19.
PCT/EP2015/053659 2014-02-27 2015-02-20 Valve for lpg storage tank WO2015128265A1 (en)

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ITUB20154064A1 (en) * 2015-10-02 2017-04-02 Liquigas S P A PROTECTION SYSTEM FROM AUTHORIZED ACCESS TO A VALVE OF A FUEL GAS TANK
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